By Ashley Hassett & Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – Governor Andrew Cuomo brought his People First Campaign tour to Buffalo Thursday.
The Governor appeared at Buffalo State College. Cuomo is traveling across the state to promote a same-sex marriage bill and his plan to implement a two-percent property tax cap. Cuomo said a tax cap would make it possible for people to afford to live in New York State.
"The property tax cap issue comes down to respect. And respect to the taxpayers of this state and respect of the tax dollars that are spent in this state. You're going to increase property taxes seven percent? How? where are they supposed to get the money? Are they making seven percent more money?," said Governor Cuomo.
Cuomo said he is working to get the marriage equality bill passed in the Legislature. But noted he is would like a majority of lawmakers on board before it appears for a vote.
After his tour speech, the Governor told local reporters he is still committed to collecting taxes on cigarettes sold by Native Americans to non-native Americans.
Cuomo said once a temporary restraining ordered, issued earlier this week in Buffalo, is lifted, the state will collect the taxes.
"We are ready to enforce the law and collect the taxes as soon as a judge allows us. This is a situation that has been going on way to long in my opinion. Obviously as long is their is a restraining order against us we can't do anything. As soon as it's resolved in court we'll collect the taxes," said Cuomo.